Social Symbolism in Ancient & Tribal Art

11. Vol. 3, Book 2 - Rebirth: The Labyrinth & Other Paths to Other Worlds

Continuing the thread explored in Cosmic Games, Book Two, Rebirth: The Labyrinth & Other Paths to Other Worlds, is an overview Carl Schuster's investigations of the labyrinth. Carpenter opens by providing instructions on how to draw a labyrinth, noting that the compositional devices are basically universal throughout the world. Distinctions and identifications of different kinds of labyrinths are made, particularly square vs. circular types, and the connection between mazes and labyrinths is explored. A chapter dedicated to incorrectly drawn labyrinths (Bungled Labyrinths & Gapped-circles) exposes bastardized hybrids of the form reduced to geometric patterns. The labyrinth is demonstrated to be connected to three states of being, as pathways between life, death and rebirth.